Eurasia Press & News
On January 29, 2025, Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa aka Abu Muhammad Al-Joulani, described as the “leader of the new Syrian administration,” delivered an address titled “Victory Speech.”[1] Al-Sharaa celebrated the triumph of the Syrian revolution, as he announces radical transformation marked by leadership change, political restructuring, economic recovery, and diplomatic reintegration.
Al-Sharaa’s Vision For Syria’s Future
Syrian Network “Syria TV” published a report addressing Al-Sharaa’s “victory” speech, saying that he outlined a comprehensive roadmap for the country’s next phase.[2] His priorities include filling the power vacuum, maintaining civil peace, building state institutions, establishing a developmental economic framework, and restoring Syria’s international and regional standing. Al-Sharaa acknowledged, according to the network, that Syria is at a crucial juncture, requiring immense efforts to ensure stability and reconstruction.
He stated: “A few months ago, Damascus was like a devoted mother looking at her children with eyes full of distress and reproach, complaining of wounds, humiliation, and disgrace, bleeding yet enduring the pain, on the verge of collapse while crying out: ‘Save your nation!’
Although he used vivid imagery to describe the country’s recent past, he contrasted this with a triumphant message, declaring that the chains of oppression have been broken, and the Syrian people have reclaimed their dignity. This rhetoric signals a shift from war to governance and rebuilding: “By the grace of Allah, we broke the chains, freed the oppressed, and wiped away the dust of humiliation and disgrace from Damascus’ shoulders. The sun of Syria has risen once again, and the people rejoiced and chanted takbir [Allah is the greatest]. It was a clear victory and a great triumph.”
Unlike conventional narratives of war that emphasize destruction and bloodshed, Al-Sharaa portrayed Syria’s victory as one achieved through mercy, justice, and righteousness. He added: “Victory itself is a responsibility, for the task of the victors is heavy, and their responsibility is immense.”
According to the report, he framed this triumph not as an end but as a heavy responsibility, asserting that true victory lies in the commitment to rebuilding and developing the nation: “Just as we were determined to liberate Syria in the past, the duty now is to commit to building and developing it.”
Structural and Political Changes
According to Syria TV, exclusive sources revealed that a Syrian National Authority will be formed to oversee the country’s affairs. This authority will appoint Al-Sharaa as president, granting him the power to form a temporary legislative council, during the transitional period.
The transitional process, as the report stated, will involve suspending the current constitution, dissolving the People’s Assembly, and disbanding key institutions, including the army, security agencies, and the Ba’ath Party. These sweeping changes signal the formation of a new governing framework.
Additionally, the sources revealed plans to integrate military factions into a new unified structure, which suggests an effort to centralize military authority under the new administration.
A key component of the Syrian National Authority is the 35 members, which will consist of both military and civilian representatives. This design aims to ensure political balance and inclusivity, reflecting Syria’s diverse societal composition, according to the network: “The authority will elect its own president, demonstrating an effort to create a more representative and decentralized governance model.”
The report further noted that the National Conference has been postponed, concluding: “These developments come as part of ongoing efforts to rebuild Syria after years of conflict and to lift sanctions. The new administration aims to achieve internal stability, rebuild government institutions, strengthen the national economy, and restore Syria’s regional and international role.”
Syria’s Military Operations Command’s Declarations
Following Al-Sharaa’s address, Colonel Hassan ‘Abd Al-Ghani, the spokesman of Syria’s Military Operations Command, announced the cancellation of the 2012 Constitution, suspension of all exceptional laws, the dissolution of the People’s Assembly formed during Al-Assad’s time, and the committees emanating from it.[3]
He further stated: “We declare the dissolution of the army of the defunct regime, and the reconstruction of the Syrian army on national foundations. We announce the dissolution of all security agencies affiliated with the defunct regime, with their various branches and all the militias it established, and the formation of a new security institution that preserves the security of citizens.”
‘Abd Al-Ghani emphasized the dissolution of the Arab Socialist Ba’ath Party, the National Progressive Front, and all affiliated organizations, institutions, and committees. He asserted: “It is prohibited to reconstitute these parties under any other name, and all their estate will become property of the Syrian state. All military factions, political and civil revolutionary bodies are dissolved, and merged into state institutions.”
He further declared Ahmad Al-Sharaa as the president of Syria in its transitional phase, as he will carry out the duties of the presidency and represents it in international forums.
“Authorization of Mr. President of the Republic to form a temporary legislative council for the selective phase, which assumes its duties until a permanent constitution for the country is approved and enters into force.”
The Dissolution Of Armed Factions
Following the speech, several jihadi and rebel factions announced dissolution and merging under HTS-linked Ministry of Defense to form the new Syrian Army. The factions that joined the merger are the Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), Ahrar Al-Sham Islamic Movement, Jaysh Al-‘Izzah, Jaysh Al-Nasr, Ansar Al-Tawhid, Faylaq Al-Sham, Al-Firqah Al-Saheliyah faction, Jaysh Al-Ahrar, Suqur Al-Sham, Ansar Al-Islam, the Uyghur Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP), the Muhajireen and Ansar group, Nour Al-Din Al-Zingui Movement, Al-Jabha al-Shamiah, and all factions of the rebel umbrella group, the Syrian National Army (SNA).
[1] Telegram, January 29, 2025. [2] January 29, 2025. [3] Telegram, January 29, 2025.
